Solar induction monorail system and method of using

ABSTRACT

A transportation system including a solar energy collecting monorail structure formed with a photovoltaic surface layer having a solar energy converting means for converting the collected solar energy to electrical energy. A power distribution means for distributing stored energy to transit vehicles being propelled along the monorail structure or distributing excess energy to a remote power utility source. The monorail structure includes means for propelling a transit vehicle according to magnetic principals associated with transverse flux motors. The system also includes a computer controlled, elevation compensating monorail structure extrusion machine comprising a fabrication chamber which continuously fabricates the monorail structure along a monorail construction right-of-way.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to solar induction monorails andmore particularly, is concerned with a system and method for theconstruction of a solar induction monorail system having solar powerconversion, distribution and power sharing capability.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

It is known to provide monorail structures for elevated monorail trains.Most known monorail structures consist of fabricated cast concrete orrolled steel sections supported by columns and improvements thereon.There are no known monorails that are constructed having a photovoltaicskin or surface for collecting solar energy and converting the energyfor utilization by the transportation means using the monorail. Theprior art teaching the structure of monorails systems is described inthe following U.S. patents.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,690,064 to W. E. Owen teaches a side-mounted monorailtransportation system provided with a support beam from which vehiclesare supported in a pendulum-like manner. The support beam is supportedon columns both of which are constructed of steel rebar-reinforcedconcrete. The power source is dc electric power which is presumablysupplied to the vehicle through conductors secured to the support beam.The means of propulsion discussed are rotating electric motors, linearinduction motors, hydraulic motors, steam engines, internal combustionengines, jet engines, rocket engines, nuclear power engines orcombinations thereof.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,313,383 to S. Parazadar teaches a guideway unit, whichis an elevated structure on which rapid transit care can run. Theguideway unit teaches supporting a railway system of the type employingsteel running rails, a central support for a linear induction motorassembly and a power collector rail mounted on removable side panels.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,923,254 to H. Barthelmess teaches a transition curvetrack section for connecting a mono-track railway system. The monobeamof the patent is preferably formed of poured concrete and reinforced inaccordance with conventional practice.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,985,114 to B. M. Lindner teaches an improved lowfriction truck for mono beam supported and guided vehicles.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,274,336 to Pater et al. teaches a monorail guidewaystructure wherein of interest is the teaching of selectively reinforcingthe structure "on site". The guideway structure of this patent does notteach an extruded rail of the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,193 to D. P. Sullivan teaches an improved guidewayassembly wherein of interest is the teaching of "on site" reinforcementof the structure. The guideway structure improvements go towards solvingweather related problem which result in decreasing reliability.

The prior art assumes the availability of electric energy from a utilitycompany and teaches the construction of a monorail structure designed inaccordance with providing the appropriate interface between theelectrical source and the monorail structure to the point of utilizationby a vehicle on the monorail. In today's energy shortage proneenvironment, alternate energy sources must be considered in designingsystems that have a high demand of utilization. Solar energy conversiontechnologies have not reached their full utilization potential,especially in the field of monorail transportation systems. The priorart, as evident by the above prior art patents, does not teach amonorail structure and method for utilizing the surface of a monorailstructure for collecting solar energy and converting the solar energyinto electrical energy for utilization by a monorail vehicle. Themonorail structures of the prior art are constructed according tomethods which use machinery known in the fabrication of reinforcedconcrete structures. The fabrication machine for a solar collectormonorail structure is not taught by the prior art.

Thus, a need is felt to exist for continued emphasis on the utilizationof solar energy as an alternative energy source, especially in thedevelopment of monorail transportation systems, which type oftransportation systems are foreseen to be a primary means of publictransportation in the near future. A need is also seen for a monorailstructure that take advantage of the enormous amount of surface area ofthe monorail and uses the surface of the structure as a solar collectorand converts the collected solar energy into electrical energy for useby a vehicle designed for propulsion using the converted electricalenergy. A need is further seen to exist for a fabrication machine whichwill produce, on-site, a solar collecting monorail. Still a need is seento exist for a solar collecting monorail system having an energy sourceswitching means, which means contemplates the sun as a primary sourcefor the electrical energy and a power utility as an alternate source.

Thus, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a monorailstructure which collects energy from the sun and within the structureconverts and stores the collected energy into electrical energy for useby a mono-railed vehicle. A second object of the present invention is toprovide a fabricating machine which can produce the solar collectingmonorail structure on-site according to survey information, materialspecification and other pertinent structural data and building coderequirements. A related object with the primary object is to provide asolar collecting monorail structure which can also be powered from autility power source and which can also provide excess electrical powerto the utility power source.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system and method for the constructionof a solar induction monorail system designed to satisfy theaforementioned needs. The system consists of a solar energy collectingmeans comprising a monorail structure formed with a photovoltaic surfacelayer having a solar energy converting means for converting thecollected solar energy to electrical energy, an electrical energystorage means for storing the converted electrical energy, an electricalenergy management interface means for controlling the input and outputpower demand on the system from the transit vehicle being propelled, thesolar collecting monorail energy source or from a power utility source,a power distribution means for distributing stored energy to transitvehicles being propelled along the monorail structure and a magneticinduction means on the monorail structure for propelling a transitvehicle according to magnetic principals associated with transverse fluxmotors (tfm).

The system is further comprised of a computer controlled monorailstructure extrusion means comprising a fabrication chamber whichcontinuously fabricates, in an extruded manner, the monorail structurehaving a material receiving chamber section, a monorail core assemblychamber section, a monorail body assembly section, a solar collectorskin application chamber section and monorail finishing and columnmounting chamber section. The monorail structure extrusion means alsohaving a computer controlled elevation compensating track means forfollowing terrain in the right-of-way.

The method consists of providing a computer controlled monorailstructure extrusion system, fabricating a solar induction monorailstructure, interconnecting a power distribution network within themonorail structure, interconnecting the solar induction monorailstructure to a back-up energy supplying source, such as electric powerutility source, and propelling monorail vehicles on the monorailstructure.

Therefore, to the accomplishments of the foregoing, the inventionconsists of the foregoing features hereinafter fully described andparticularly pointed out in the claims, the accompanying drawings andfollowing disclosure describing in detail the invention, such drawingsand disclosure illustrating, however, but one of the various ways inwhich the invention may be practiced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the system of the presentinvention showing generally a completed portion of a monorail structurecollecting solar energy, a transit vehicle being propelled along themonorail, a ground support vehicle being charged from the system, apower utility source supplying supplemental power, a monorail structurefabrication means, and material being delivered into the fabricationmeans.

FIG. 2 is a partial longitudinal fragmented view of the monorailstructure showing the support columns, a partial diagrammaticrepresentation of the distribution network internal and external to themonorail structure.

FIG. 3 is a typical cross section of the monorail and a monorail vehicletaken along the line 3--3 in FIG. 2 showing the solar collectorconversion interconnections, magnetic induction means and a transitvehicle having transverse flux motor levitation and propulsioncomponents.

FIG. 3a shows an exploded fragmentary view taken along the line 3a--3ain FIG. 3 showing the details of the interface between the monorail andthe magnetic induction means within the transit vehicle.

FIG. 3b shows an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 3b--3b inFIG. 3 showing the solar collector composition applied on the inner coreportion of the monorail structure.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal view of the mobile monorail structurefabricator means showing the fabrication chambers and elevationcompensating track driven system.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the mobile monorail structurefabricator means taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 4 showing a partiallycompleted monorail structure being extruded and ready for mounting onsupport column and further showing the elevation compensating capabilityof the track driven system.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the mobile monorail structurefabricator means taken along the line 6--6 of FIG. 4 showing themonorail core assembly chamber section.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the mobile monorail structurefabricator means taken along the line 7--7 of FIG. 4 showing themonorail body assembly section.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the mobile monorail structurefabricator means taken along the line 8--8 of FIG. 4 showing the solarcollector material application chamber section.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the mobile monorail structurefabricator means taken along the line 9--9 of FIG. 4 showing themonorail finishing chamber section.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a typical monorail support columnshowing a footing, a post, mounting guides, electrical connections, andoptical connections.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, where isshown a solar energy dependent monorail system, generally designated100. The monorail system 100 is comprised of a monorail structure 101and a mobile monorail structure fabricator means 105. In use, monorailtransit vehicle 103 is bi-directionally propelled along monorailstructure 101 in the directions of arrows a1 and a2. The preferredembodiment of the invention is directed at designing a monorail systemthat will enable propelling a transit vehicle using the principles oftransverse flux motors (tfm). For further information regarding"transverse flux motors" see an article entitled: "Three-dimensionalEngineering", in Transportation Without Wheels, edited by E. R.Laithwaite, Westview Press, Boulder, Co., 1977. The tfm principlesenable a transit vehicle to incorporate means of suspension andguidance. The monorail system of the present invention will complete themagnetic interface required between the transit vehicle and the monorailstructure by providing a magnetic energy source which is derived withinthe monorail structure using photovoltaic conversion of energy from thesun. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, monorail structure 101 isdesigned having a solar collector 104 receiving sunlight 99 from sun Sand using photovoltaic energy conversion principles, electrical energyis produced within the entire structure of the monorail and isdistributed to storage means 127, see FIG. 2, in a plurality of supportcolumns 102 throughout the system 100 for use by transit vehicle 103upon demand. As an added feature, the system has an alternative energysource such as an electric power utility, generally designated U, whichfeeds the system via support columns 102. The system 100 is alsodesigned to feed any excess energy into the power utility U and alsoprovides an electrical charging means for charging a ground supportvehicle 103b.

Still referring to FIG. 1, monorail structure 101 is shown beingextruded from mobile monorail structure fabricator means 105, at amonorail fabrication exit end 115. The mobile monorail structurefabricator means 105 includes a fabrication chamber 110, an elevationcompensating track driven assembly 106, and a material entry end 107.The elevation compensating capability of the mobile fabricator means isshown by directional arrows a4 while forward motion is depicted bydirectional arrows a3. The material used to fabricate the monorailstructure may be delivered to fabricator means 105 in a liquid form andsupplied using an entry supply hose 107a delivered by material carrier108. Other material which is required for completing the monorailconstruction includes unassembled columns 102, electrical conduitmaterial 109 and sheet material spool 109a, which is shown ready for useat entry end 107 or beneath fabricator means 105 as the mobilefabricator means 105 advances along the construction right-of-way.

Referring now to FIG. 2, where is shown a partial longitudinalfragmented view of the monorail structure 101 being supported on supportcolumns 102 and solar collector 104 absorbing sunlight 99 from sun S.Shown also is a cutaway portion of monorail structure 101 and column 102showing a partial diagrammatic representation of the energy distributionand communication network internal and external. In the assembly ofcolumn 102, post 102a is fixedly attached to post footing 102b atpost-footing joint 102c. Post footing 102b is typically a pouredconcrete structure and is located above and below ground level g.Monorail structure 101 is preferably constructed in sequential segmentsjoined to the top portion of posts 102a at a post-monorail joint 123,while sequential monorail structure segments are joined at amonorail-monorail expansion joint 122. A more detailed description ofcolumn 102 will follow in describing FIG. 10.

Also shown in FIG. 2 is a transit vehicle 103 capable of being propelledby transverse flux motor (tfm) 118 in either direction, shown by arrowsa1 and a2. In use, transit vehicle 103 communicates energy demandrequests from storage means 127 via optical control means 120 which isoptically coupled to energy controller 128 by a plurality of opticalsensors 130 and fiber optics conductors 131.

Referring now to FIG. 3b, showing the composition of solar collector104. In actual operation, solar collector 104 converts the incidentsunlight 99 to electrical energy according to photovoltaic principles bypenetrating the outer protective barrier 138 and is absorbed by layered,electrical energy producing, light sensitive, silicon materialscomprises of vacuum deposited inner p-layer material 142a, typically,hydrogenated silicon doped with phosphorous, an intrinsic layer 142c,typically undoped hydrogenated silicon, and an outer n-layer 143a,typically hydrogenated silicon doped with boron. The solar energy thusconverted to electrical energy is gathered by a metallic grid conductormaterial 144a, which is applied in an emulsion form. Referring now toFIG. 2, the electrical energy created is then distributed by input powerconductors 125 from photovoltaic transfer point 139 via power lead 139a(see FIG. 3) to storage battery 127 via a battery charger 126 and inputcable lead 127a. Upon demand, power is withdrawn from storage battery127 through output cable 127b to monorail control unit and switch means128 or to utility power U through output cable 128a, if there is anexcess amount of power stored in battery 127. Monorail control unit 128can not only receive power from storage battery 127 through cable 127bbut also from power utility U through input cable 128b in the event thatsolar collector 104 is unable to produce electrical energy due to cloudyconditions or for other reasons making the system non-functional. Frommonorail control unit 128, power is distributed to the transit vehicle103 via power conductors 132a, 132 and brushes 119. Between segments ofmonorail structure 101 there is provided column-monorail electrical andoptical connector means 102d and monorail-monorail electrical andoptical connector means 122a for allowing independent operation ofindividual monorail segments. Similarly, electrical connectors 128c areprovided between post 102a and post footing 102b. Also shown in FIG. 2is a grounding means 129 provided for safety purposes. The system isalso provided with an electrical outlet 127c for charging a groundsupport vehicle 103b.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 3a showing a typical cross section ofmonorail 101 and transit vehicle 103. Transit vehicle 103, having afloor 103a, is provided with a transverse flux linear induction motor118 (hereinafter tfm 118) which is comprised of a primary 118c andsecondary 118d and an air gap portion 133. The primary 118c receivespower through primary wiring 118a from brushes 119 housed in enclosure118b in contact with power conductor 132. The secondary 118d of tfm 118is magnetically coupled through air gap 133 and includes aluminumreaction sheet 118e bonded to steel sheet 118f. Also shown is theoptical control means 120 in transit vehicle 103 which is opticallycoupled to energy controller 128 by a plurality of optical sensors 130and fiber optics conductors 131. Since transit vehicle 103 ismagnetically levitated by tfm 118, incidental contact with monorail 101is eased by low friction skid rollers 134. Also, due to the magneticlevitation, directional monorail guidance is maintained by thesubstantially omega-shaped bottom portion of floor 103a which ismagnetically coupled to monorail 101.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 3b, monorail 101 is shown comprises of solarcollector 104 applied onto an inner core 101a. Inner core 101a is shownprovided with longitudinal rail reinforcement 135 and longitudinaltensioning cable 137. Solar collector 104 is comprised of an outerprotective barrier 138 and layered, electrical energy producing, lightsensitive, silicon materials comprised of vacuum deposited inner p-layermaterial 142a, typically, hydrogenated silicon doped with phosphorous,an intrinsic layer 142c, typically undoped hydrogenated silicon, and anouter n-layer 143a, typically hydrogenated silicon doped with boron.Solar collector 104 is further comprised of a metallic grid conductormaterial 144a, which is applied in an emulsion form and used forgathering the converted electrical energy. The electrical energygathered by grid conductor 144a is then distributed from photovoltaictransfer point 139 via power leads 139a and input power conductors 125to storage battery 127.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5 showing mobile monorail structurefabricator means 105, having fabrication chamber 110, and elevationcompensating track driven assembly 106, engine 112, and cabin 113. Cabin113 contains a computer control operating panel used to maneuverfabricator means 105 and the monorail fabrication process. Fabricationchamber 110 includes material entry end 107, monorail core assemblysection 105a, monorail body assembly section 105b, solar collectorapplication section 105c, monorail finishing section 105d. Mobilemonorail structure fabricator means 105 is designed for highmaneuverability along the right-of-way, thus fabricator means 105 isprovided with flexibility joints 105e and elevation compensating trackdriven assembly 106. The mobility of elevation compensating track drivenassembly 106 is achieved by providing legs 106a which compensate,indicated by arrows a4, for ground g elevation variations usingelevation adjustment motor 106b and forward motion of tracks 106d,indicated by arrows a3, by using track motor 106c. Material inputaccommodations, such as power conductors spool 109, aluminum or steelsheet material spool 109a and liquid material delivery hose 107a, neededto construct the monorail 101 is provided at end 107 of fabricator means107. A pathway 111 allows access to monitor the assembly process. Afterproviding the necessary material at end 107, the monorail constructioncan begin. As previously stated fabrication chamber 110 includesmonorail core assembly section 105a, monorail body assembly section105b, solar collector application section 105c, monorail finishingsection 105d. Referring now to FIG. 6, showing a cross section ofmonorail core assembly section 105a, having outer wall 105g, wherein isshown various core elements being formed including a positioned powerconductor 132, optical conductor 131, tfm secondary 118d, railreinforcement 135, tensioning cable 137, photovoltaic conductor 125.Once the various core elements are positioned the embodiment process maybegin. Referring now to FIG. 7, showing a cross section of monorail bodyassembly section 105b and showing positioned tfm secondary 118d, railreinforcement 135, tensioning cable conduit 137 and interconnectingwiring 139a and 131. The core material 136 used to form the monorailcore body 101a is in a liquid form and is contained in a reservoir 136aand is injected into a core body form 141 by material injector 136b. Thecore body is allowed to cure before applying the solar collector 104.

Once the monorail core body is cured the solar collector 104 is ready tobe formed. Referring now to FIG. 8 showing a cross section of solarcollector formation section 105c. The formation process consists oflayering onto inner core 101a silicon materials comprised of innerp-layer material 142a, typically hydrogenated silicon doped withphosphorous, an intrinsic layer 142c, typically undoped hydrogenatedsilicon, and an outer n-layer 143a, typically hydrogenated silicon dopedwith boron. The process includes a vacuum deposition chamber means 145having entry tubes 145a connected to reservoir 142 containing material142a, reservoir 142d containing material 142c and reservoir 143containing material 143a. The formation process of solar collector 104further includes applying a metallic grid conductor material 144a fromreservoir 144 via entry tube 145a. The grid conductor material, inemulsion form, is applied using moving applicator 144c, shown in motionby arrow a5.

The applied solar collector 104 is allowed to cure before being exposedto the environment. Once cured, the monorail fabrication advances to thefinishing section. Referring now to FIG. 9 showing a cross section ofmonorail finishing section 105d where finishing material 138 containedin reservoir 138a is sprayed onto the monorail using a plurality ofspray nozzles 138c supplied from tube 138c.

FIG. 10 shows a typical support column assembly 102 including supportpost 102a having sides 102f and post footing 102b. Positioned betweensides 102f are the electronic component access panels 102g andelectrical outlet 127c. To enable external interface with power utilityU, electrical connectors 128c are provided between post 102a to postfooting 102b. The assembly of the post 102a to post fottings 102b takesplace during the finishing stages of the fabrication of monorail 101 atwhich time the post 102a is lifted using lifting means 102i and then thebottom end of post 102a is inserted into post receiver shoe 102h. Alsoprovided for the mounting of monorail 101 to column 102 arepost-monorail structural connectors 123a. The necessary wiring betweenmonorail and post 102a is connected using electrical and opticalconnector means 102d.

Therefore, while the present invention has been shown and describedherein in what is believed to be the most practical and preferredembodiment, it is recognized that departures can be made therefromwithin the scope of the invention, which is therefore not to be limitedto the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope ofthe claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent apparatus.

I claim:
 1. A solar energy induction monorail system, said monorailsystem comprising:(a) a monorail structure fabrication means forfabricating a solar energy induction monorail structure; (b) a solarenergy collecting monorail structure means for collecting solar energyand converting said solar energy into electrical energy for use by saidmonorail system; and (c) a transit vehicle means for being propelledalong said monorail structure means and adapted electro-magnetically andmechanically for using said electrical energy.
 2. A solar inductionmonorail system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said monorail structurefabrication means comprises:(a) a fabrication chamber for fabricating inan extrusion manner a solar collector monorail member of said solarenergy collecting monorail structure; and (b) an elevation compensatingtrack driven assembly means for moving along a designated monorailconstruction right-of-way.
 3. A solar induction monorail system, asrecited in claim 2, wherein said fabrication chamber monorail structurefabrication means comprises:(a) a material entry section; (b) a monorailcore assembly section; (c) a monorail core body formation section; (d) asolar collector layer formation section; and (e) a solar collectormonorail member finishing section.
 4. A solar induction monorail system,as recited in claim 3, wherein said material entry sectioncomprises:material input accommodation means for receiving core bodyreinforcement material, power and communications conductors, aluminumand steel sheet material and liquid materials.
 5. A solar inductionmonorail system, as recited in claim 4, wherein said monorail coreassembly section comprises:a plurality of mechanical means forpositioning within a core design said received core body reinforcementmaterial, power and communications conductors, aluminum and steel sheetmaterials.
 6. A solar induction monorail system, as recited in claim 5,wherein said monorail core body formation section comprises:(a) anelectrical wiring means for interconnecting said power andcommunications conductors; (b) a core body mold for containing ahardening core body liquid material member of said provided liquidmaterials; and (c) a first liquid material injector means for injectingsaid hardening core body liquid material member.
 7. A solar inductionmonorail system, as recited in claim 6, wherein said solar collectorlayer formation section comprises:(a) a vacuum deposition chamber meansfor producing a solar photovoltaic layer, said vacuum deposition chambermeans including a sequential arrangement of vacuum deposition chamberscomprised of:(i) an inner p-layer silicon material vacuum depositionchamber; (ii) an intrinsic layer material vacuum deposition chamber;(iii) an outer n-layer silicon material vacuum deposition chamber; and(b) an applicator means for applying a metallic grid conductor layer. 8.A solar induction monorail system, as recited in claim 7, wherein saidsolar collector monorail member finishing section is comprised of:(a) aspray chamber for applying an outer protective barrier layer; and (b) alifting and positioning means for installing a support post member of asupport column assembly.
 9. A solar induction monorail system, asrecited in claim 2, wherein said elevation compensating track drivenassembly means is comprised of:(a) a plurality of vertical shaft legmembers movably attached to said fabrication chamber for providingelevation compensation; and (b) a plurality of track driven assembliesfixedly attached to each of said plurality of vertical shaft legmembers.
 10. A solar induction monorail system, as recited in claim 1,wherein said solar energy collecting monorail structure means iscomprised of:(a) a solar collector monorail member; (b) a plurality offirst column means for supporting said solar collector monorail memberand for containing power and communication distribution interfaceequipment, electrical utilization controls and electrical storage means;and (c) a plurality of second column means for supporting said solarcollector monorail member.
 11. A solar induction monorail system, asrecited in claim 10, wherein said solar collector monorail member iscomprised of:(a) an inner core body member; (b) a solar collector layermember, said solar collector layer member being bonded to said innercore body member; and (c) an outer protective barrier layer member beingbonded to said solar collector layer member.
 12. A solar inductionmonorail system, as recited in claim 11, wherein said inner core bodymember is comprised of;(a) reinforcement means; (b) power conductors;(c) communication conductors; (d) a transit vehicle magnetic couplingmeans; and (e) a core body material integrally containing saidreinforcement means, said power conductors, said communicationconductors and said transit vehicle magnetic coupling means.
 13. A solarinduction monorail system, as recited in claim 11, wherein said solarcollector layer member is comprised of:(a) an inner p-layer siliconmaterial layer; (b) an intrinsic silicon material layer; (c) an outern-layer silicon material layer; and (d) a metallic grid conductor layer.14. A solar induction monorail system, as recited in claim 11, whereinsaid outer protective barrier layer member is comprised of a hardened,transparent glaze material layer.
 15. A solar induction monorail system,as recited in claim 10, wherein each of said plurality of first columnmeans is comprised of:(a) a post member, said post member includingstructurally supporting sides, an a mid section for housing said powerand communication distribution interface equipment, said electricalutilization controls and said electrical storage means; and (b) afooting member, said footing member having a post receiving means forreceiving a bottom end of said post member and an external interfacemeans for electrically coupling to a remote electric power utilitysource.
 16. A solar induction monorail system, as recited in claim 1,wherein said transit vehicle means is comprised of:(a) a transverse fluxmotor means for propulsion and levitation; (b) an fiber optical controlmeans for communicating with said solar energy collecting monorailstructure means; (c) a floor member having an omega-shaped bottomportion adapted to said solar energy collecting monorail structuremeans, said transverse flux motor means being housed in saidomega-shaped bottom portion; and (d) a monorail skid roller means forproviding low friction contact between said transit vehicle means andsaid solar energy collecting monorail structure means.
 17. A method ofproviding a solar energy powered monorail system, said method comprisingthe steps of:(a) providing a monorail structure fabrication means forfabricating a solar energy collecting monorail structure means; (b)fabricating a solar energy collecting monorail structure means; (c)collecting solar energy and converting said solar energy into electricalenergy by said fabricated solar energy collecting monorail structuremeans; (d) storing said converted electrical energy; (e) providing atransit vehicle means for being propelled along a monorail member ofsaid monorail structure means; (f) using said stored electrical energyby said provided transit vehicle; (g) providing a back-up electricalpower utility source integral with said solar energy powered monorailsystem for use by said provided transit vehicle; and (h) providingexcess stored electrical energy to said back-up power utility source.18. A method of providing a solar energy powered monorail system asrecited in claim 17, wherein said step of providing a monorail structurefabrication means includes the step of providing(a) a fabricationchamber for fabricating in an extrusion manner a solar collectormonorail member of said solar energy collecting monorail structure; and(b) an elevation compensating track driven assembly means for movingalong a designated monorail construction right-of-way.
 19. A method ofproviding a solar energy powered monorail system as recited in claim 17,wherein said step of fabricating a solar energy collecting monorailstructure means includes the step of:(a) fabricating a solar collectormonorail member, said solar collector monorail member is comprisedof:(i) an inner core body member, (ii) a solar collector layer member,said solar collector layer member being bonded to said inner core bodymember, and (iii) an outer protective barrier layer member being bondedto said solar collector layer member; (b) providing a plurality of firstcolumn means for supporting said solar collector monorail member and forcontaining power and communication distribution interface equipment,electrical utilization controls and electrical storage means; and (c)providing a plurality of second column means for supporting said solarcollector monorail member.
 20. A method of providing a solar energypowered monorail system as recited in claim 17, wherein said step ofproviding a transit vehicle means includes the step of providing atransit vehicle provided with:(a) a transverse flux motor means forpropulsion and levitation; (b) an fiber optical control means forcommunicating with said solar energy collecting monorail structuremeans; (c) a floor member having an omega-shaped bottom portion adaptedto said solar energy collecting monorail structure means, saidtransverse flux motor means being housed in said omega-shaped bottomportion; and (d) a monorail skid roller means for providing low frictioncontact between said transit vehicle means and said solar energycollecting monorail structure means.